9/11 Nfl Cin @ Cleve

[Spartacus]

Bengals, Browns in opening division contest

The Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns meet in an AFC North battle on Sunday that doubles as their season-opening contest.

The Browns finished the preseason with a 3-1 record, while the Bengals ended up one game back with a 2-2 mark.

The Bengals are road-favored in this one, getting listed by oddsmakers at -3.5. The total has been listed at 43.5.

Cleveland has a new man in the pocket this season, as Jeff Garcia was ditched in favor of Trent Dilfer. The veteran QB will have a dynamic target in first-round pick Braylon Edwards, but Kellen Winslow’s injuries will keep him out for the season.

For the Bengals, Carson Palmer made big strides in the second half of last season before suffering a strained medial collateral ligament in December. If he stays healthy, the team hopes their offense can become one of the league’s best.

 

[Spartacus]

After finishing strong last year but again falling short of the postseason, the Cincinnati Bengals know the importance of a good start.

The Bengals, who have not made the playoffs since 1990, will try to spoil the debut of coach Romeo Crennel as they visit the Cleveland Browns.

Cincinnati has finished 8-8 after losing four of its first five games in each of the last two seasons under coach Marvin Lewis. Before Lewis arrived, the Bengals hadn't managed seven wins in a season since 1997.

Last year, a slow start was understandable as Carson Palmer became the Bengals No. 1 quarterback after not taking a snap as a rookie in 2003. Palmer improved steadily and threw for 835 yards and nine touchdowns in the last three games of 2004.

``We have to win,'' offensive tackle Willie Anderson said about the season opener. ``We have to go up there not sugarcoating this thing.''


The Bengals have talent around Palmer in running back Rudi Johnson and receivers Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh. Rudi Johnson made just five starts in his first three seasons, but helped Cincinnati overcome the departure of Corey Dillon as he rushed for 1,454 yards and 12 TDs.

Chad Johnson started the Pro Bowl for a second straight season after recording a career-high 95 receptions and 1,274 yards.

``We need (a good start). Our whole key to our success is the first five games,'' he said. ``The first five games will tell us whether we're going to the postseason or not.''

 

[Spartacus]

long time Bengals fan myself
lived in cincinnati from '89-'92